This paper examines the growth performance of sub-Saharan African countries since 1960
through the lens of growth turning points (accelerations and decelerations) and periods of
sustained growth (growth spells). Growth accelerations are generally associated with
improved external conditions, increased investment and trade openness, declines in inflation,
better fiscal balances, and improvements in the institutional environment. Transitioning from
growth accelerations to growth spells often requires additional efforts beyond what is needed
to trigger an acceleration. Growth spells are sustained by fiscal policy that prevents excessive
public debt accumulation, monetary policy geared toward low inflation, outward-oriented
trade policies, and structural policies that reduce market distortions, as well as supportive
external environment and improvements in democratic institutions. Overall, determinants of
growth spells in sub-Saharan Africa are different from those in the rest of the emerging and
developing countries.